A Prime Time Debut for Deion Burks in Oklahoma's Spring Game

Arnold Drops Bombs and Shows Improv Ability

Sophomore QB Jackson Arnold validated the decision of Venables to let Dillon Gabriel transfer without a fight and with best wishes. Any concerns about Arnold should be laid to rest after Saturday. 

As was previously mentioned, Arnold and Burks were a deadly combination in the Red/White Game. Although Arnold completed only half of his attempts (10 for 20), he tallied 233 yards in the air. Most of his misses were close calls that can be fixed with additional fine-tuning.

Arnold impressed everyone with his ability to improvise, avoid pressure, and make plays when protection broke down. Most importantly, he flashed a big-play cannon arm.

The Sooners and their fans believe that Arnold confirmed his legitimacy as the new starter. Thus, Venables ended the spring looking smart for turning the page and the offense over to the 4-Star product out of Denton (TX) Guyer. 

Offensive Line Answers Questions, But Work Remains 

Of major concern this offseason has been the revolving door turnover of personnel on the offensive line. Although there will continue to be growing pains, the offensive line showed better than expected. Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh’s unit rapidly improved as the spring practice schedule progressed.

On Saturday, the unit did well on both pass protection and facilitating the ground game. Running backs Kalib Hicks and Samuel Frankin flashed impressive runs while projected starter Gavin Sawchuk sat out. Franklin was just under 30 yards on three consecutive carries, while Hicks scored a TD on a fourth-and-one play.

On the whole, it looks like yet another prolific offense for the Sooners heading into SEC competition.

Retooling Defense Delivers Additional Optimism 

After the offensive line held the early advantage, the defensive line came on strong as the game progressed with an impressive pass rush. In particular, R Mason Thomas and Adepoju Adebawore applied consistent pressure. On the interior line, Gracen Halton and David Stone held their own. Meanwhile cornerback Kani Walker impressed by breaking up two passes.

Oklahoma finished an embarrassing 81^st overall on total defense in 2023 and was 99^th in Venables’ rookie season of 2022. Success in the SEC is impossible to sustain with such poor numbers.

Venables built his career as one of the top defensive coordinators in the game and has worked tirelessly to improve upon the soft unit he inherited from his predecessor, Lincoln Riley. Riley never prioritized defense, instead thinking he could offensively out scheme and outscore opponents. Thus, Venables has had to initiate a cultural revolution.

New defensive coordinator Zac Alley had a productive spring and is making progress toward building an improved unit. 

Getting Their Kicks 

With the loss of transfers Gavin Marshall and Redi Mustafaraj, the Sooners have a three-man battle for the placekicker position going. Redshirt senior Zach Schmit has been the starter since 2022 but struggled from longer-range distances last year. New special teams coach Doug Deakin is also looking at former Florida State PK Tyler Keltner and true freshman Liam Evans. All three saw action in Saturday’s game, with no real separation achieved. Thus, it remains Schmit’s job to lose.

Post Spring Outlook Shows Increased Optimism for 2024 

As they say at baseball spring training, “hope springs eternal.” So, too, is the case for spring football. Yet Oklahoma flashed enough ability and potential to have legitimate reasons for optimism in 2024.

Normally, the Sooners' spring game would have generated greater national attention. But the hated arch-rival Texas Longhorns stole the headlines with the performance of Arch Manning on Saturday. Still, the Sooner Schooner looks ready to roll after a productive spring camp.

Although the offensive line is a work in progress, the Sooners always bring the ability to score points in bunches. The real question is if Oklahoma can field a respectable defense. If they do, the Sooners could be the hidden gem of the SEC this year.

In his third season, Venables finally has a team that fits his coaching personality and priorities. The ability of this team to better match its coach should bode well for 2024.

Following Saturday's impressive show, OU fans are already crying "BOOMER!" in anticipation of the year ahead.